There’s standing-room only at Hazen girls swim practice these days. Or maybe swimming-room only, because in her fourth season head coach Diane Dobson continues to bring in new members. The slew of Hazen swimmers and divers this season numbers at 63, with only two returners lost.

“It’s a huge number,” Dobson said. “We don’t cut anybody and we’re willing to teach those that don’t know how to swim.”

Dobson and her assistants put in the time to develop the swimmers, which is why the numbers keep growing.

“Everybody has the ability,” she said. “It’s just a matter of finding their talent.”

Hazen finished 5-2 and third in the Seamount last season. The losses came against the powerhouse Mount Rainier and Kennedy programs. Hazen’s best returning swimmer is sophomore Lauren Kaufman.

Kaufman placed third at the 3A state meet in the 50-yard freestyle. She also placed eighth in the 100-yard freestyle. She has set the bar even higher for 2008.

“She has her goals set: winning 50 at state and breaking the school record,” Dobson said. “She looks great this year, the goals are very achievable.”

Sophomore Kaela Nurmi should play a big role as well. Nurmi swam in three relays (200-yard medley, 400-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle) at the state meet last season.

“Her strokes look a little bit better this year,” Dobson said. “She moved up an age group in her club, so that’s a good sign.”

Juniors Grace Bradford and Kaitlin Nelson return after swimming in relays at the state meet for Hazen last season.

Dobson has two assistants this season, which should help ease the load of keeping an eye on more than 60 high schoolers. The Hazen team also has a new dive coach, Melissa Headrick, who will try to build a solid program with just one returning diver.

This team certainly has a bright future. Kaufman and Nurmi are just sophomores and Dobson estimates that two thirds of the team is underclassmen. Dobson has brought in the numbers, next comes the results.